A premiere (or première, from the French première, meaning "first") is generally "a first performance". This can refer to plays, films, television programs, operas, symphonies, ballets and so on. Premieres for theatrical, musical and other cultural presentations can become extravagant affairs, attracting large numbers of socialites and much media attention. Standard trappings may include a parade along a red carpet. At a festive film premiere the main actors involved in the performance may attend.
"Worldwide" premieres (or "world" premieres) mark the first showing of the performance ever.
Regional or national premieres may signal the first performance/screening in a given country or region. A film may screen at a film festival before its general release to movie theaters.
Raymond F. Betts attributes the introduction of the film premiere to Sid Grauman.
Premieres are usually preceded by tryouts.